The last year has witnessed an "astounding growth" in reliance on the internet by key supply-chain partners, especially in the area of transportation management. Various teleconferencing providers are offering a low-priced means of connecting companies, often multiple times a day.

Cheap and available technology has become the catalyst for change, Grackin says. Its development is being spurred by the rise of a younger demographic, consisting of individuals who are already accustomed to using social networks and mobile platforms before their first jobs. Documents can be easily shared in environments "where you can't just pick up the phone."

The rise of social networks carries its own set of challenges. The traditional business environment is highly structured, while the social world is the opposite. As a result, "every employee is a spokesperson for that company."

One doesn't have to be young to employ these new and powerful tools, Grackin says. "It's all about change - adapting and understanding the essence of something, and knowing how to apply [technology]. It's an attitude."

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Keywords: Collaboration & Integration, Business Intelligence & Analytics, Business Process Management, Customer Relationship Mgmt., Event Management, Order Fulfillment & P.O. Mgmt., Product Lifecycle Management, Sourcing & Procurement Solutions, Supplier Relationship Management, SC Planning & Optimization, Supply Chain Visibility, Transportation Management, Global Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Analysis & Consulting, Business Strategy Alignment, Transportation Management, Document Sharing, Social Media